The Jakarta Post, February 21, 2006
Three FPI members arrested in embassy attack
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The police have arrested three members of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) who
allegedly attacked the U.S. Embassy on Sunday.
One of the suspects will be charged with violating Article 170 of the Criminal Code on
knowingly damaging the property of another, Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr.
Ketut Untung Yoga Ana said Monday.
"The police have looked into the incident and studied the evidence. There is strong
evidence to suggest that one of the members violated the law,
"The other two are under investigation," Ketut said.
The man facing charges has been identified only as AH. He was arrested during the
rowdy attack, while the other two were picked up afterward.
National Police chief Gen. Sutanto assured that legal action would be taken, with or
without an official complaint from U.S. Embassy representatives.
Hundreds of FPI protesters attacked the U.S. Embassy during a rally accusing
Washington of masterminding the controversy about cartoons of the Prophet
Muhammad to destroy Islam.
The group hurled rotten eggs, stones and traffic cones at the windows of security
posts outside the compound's gates.
Others set fire to the U.S. flag and posters of President George W. Bush.
The protest was the most violent here against the publication of cartoons depicting
Prophet Muhammad, first printed in Denmark last September.
The cartoons have since been reprinted in many media around the world.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Yuri Thamrin said the ministry would cooperate with the
police to tighten security around the embassy as it was the obligation of the
government to protect foreign representatives in the country.
"We appreciate freedom of expression in Indonesia, but protesters must also respect
international principles," he said.
U.S. Ambassador Lynn B. Pascoe suggested the protest was orchestrated by those
who wished to destroy the good relationship between the U.S. and Indonesia.
He said the police were capable of handling the incident wisely.
"The U.S. government does not accept such violations," he said.
The embassy was shut Monday in commemoration of President's Day. (05)
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